Two-wheeler makers plan diesel, hybrid bikes

Amid rising petrol prices, two-wheeler makers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motors, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto are stepping up research to develop engines run on diesel or other fuels.

Mahindra 2 Wheelers, the two-wheeler company of the Mumbai-based Mahindra & Mahindra, is keen to tap into the technology pool of its automotive division, which has been selling diesel-powered utility vehicles for decades.

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P S Ashok, head, research and development, Mahindra 2 Wheelers, says, "We are looking into diesel technology. We (the automotive division of M&M) have a very strong diesel background."

The company is investing about Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) in R&D in the next five years in the development of traditional and alternative fuel technology. Diesel-run bikes are expected to have bigger engines than normal commuter bikes.

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These could be used in cruiser or touring motorcycles. The Chennai-based TVS Motors, India's fourth largest two-wheeler maker, has been working on compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered bikes but has not launched them commercially.

"In addition to other technologies, we are working on diesel, too, but it is in a fairly nascent stage. The technology is very complex compared to petrol," said a TVS executive.

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In addition to diesel, companies are working on hybrid engines that would deliver 35 per cent more mileage than a petrol-powered engine.

TVS Motors will be the first off the blocks, as it will test-launch dozens of units of hybrid scooter Qube in September.

Expected to be priced 20-30 per cent more than a conventional scooter, the Qube will be sold in the domestic market in 2013.

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Chennai-based Royal Enfield, India's oldest two-wheeler maker, was the first company in the country to commercially launch a diesel-powered motorcycle in the 1990s. However, with the enforcement of stricter emission norms, these bikes had to be discontinued.

V G Ramakrishnan, head, automotive, Frost and Sullivan, says, "One of the world's leading parts makers was developing a diesel-driven engine for use in two-wheelers. Due to the complex nature of the technology, work had to be discontinued. Companies are pursuing it on their own."

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Two-wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp is working on a hybrid scooter using indigenous technology, with help from international consultants.

The company had showcased a concept hybrid scooter LEAP at the Auto Expo early this year. It is planned to be launched in the near future.